RCB Bets on Familiar Names for IPL 2025 Showdown
When you think of IPL finals, the tension crackles all the way from the team dugouts to the stands. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) heads into the 2025 title fight with a sense of continuity, putting faith in the XI that got them past Qualifier 1. Key faces? Virat Kohli, Phil Salt, and the leadership of Rajat Patidar are all back. The biggest shake-up is at the bowling end—Josh Hazlewood returns to the attack, taking over from Nuwan Thushara, while Tim David still can't shake off his stubborn hamstring and is stuck on the bench.
RCB's choice to run with their tried-and-tested core speaks volumes about how they see this match playing out, especially with Chinnaswamy’s fast, grassy pitch up for grabs. Phil Salt’s aggressive approach up top has opened doors early, freeing up Kohli to play his natural game. Kohli, never one to shy away from big stages, already thumped PBKS for 92 in their last IPL face-off. Don't be surprised if RCB looks to put Punjab’s bowlers to the sword right from ball one.
The Chinnaswamy Curveball: What the Pitch Promises
Forget those flat, run-fest wickets—M. Chinnaswamy’s surface for the final is hard and has enough grass to keep pacers interested. Early spells could see the ball zipping around, offering a bit more bounce and mischief than the usual Bangalore strip. That’s music to the ears of players like Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who love making use of any movement.
RCB’s plan looks simple: get the most out of the powerplay while the ball is fresh. With Kohli’s record and Salt’s punchy starts, don’t expect a cautious approach. Punjab’s attack—yet to be fully revealed—will be banking on finding some early breakthroughs to keep Bangalore honest. Priyansh Arya could open for PBKS, but the rest of their strategy remains under wraps, keeping everyone guessing.
As for matchups, Hazlewood returning gives RCB’s pace unit some serious teeth, which could trouble Punjab’s batters in those crucial first six overs. With the final on the line, every over will feel loaded, every run will matter, and either side could turn the contest with a burst of brilliance or a misjudged shot. RCB is still searching for its first IPL crown, and sticking to what worked in Qualifier 1 might just tip the scales in their favor—or open the door for a Punjab ambush.
